The first time I had a bottle of Dom Perignon I was 19 or 20 yrs. old with a naked woman in Paris. Doesn't get much better than that.

I was recently asked by Time UK to do an illustration for the "King" of champagnes, Dom Perignon. First I asked for a bottle for inspiration... all I got was a hi-res scan. Dang! It worked in the past with a Châteauneuf-du-Pape. (If that art director reads this: it was delicious!)

His royal bubbly

Second I got sketching... I thought of the cork as the king.

I see a few extra bubbles...

Of course as my dirty mind works It became the emperor naked swimming in a bubbly bath.

Hmppff!

Then just as an afterthought The bottle as king.

The left looking profile worked best.

I sent off the email and heard back... they wanted the bottle as king. So here he is... All hail the king!

CREEPY CHRISTMAS is a website that will present a series of short films by indie fright directors like Larry Fessenden, J.T. Petty, Glenn McQuaid, and..... ME!
My friend Beck Underwood along with Glass Eye Pix asked me to participate in this project by creating a short film - I had to say yes. Beck and I share an affection for creepy dolls, animation and things that go "bump" in the night. Each day for the next 25 days leading up to Christmas, the site will premiere a new film. The diverse lineup of film makers includes fellow illustrators Peter Sis and Marcos Sorensen.

The shorts are supposed to be inspired by elements from a GIANT diorama Beck built in her upstate studio. It's an awesome village scene, creating a pastiche of surreal and wicked imagery that allows you to peer into the secret, unsettling world hidden behind the doors and windows of traditional Christmas dioramas.

Hermé at home

I storyboarded the shots I would need and had to cast the leading role. There were many possibilities to choose from but Hermé was my first choice and he got the part. The poor little fellow was horribly disfigured years ago from an innocent bubble bath and this was his chance at a new career. Hermé bravely went on location, leaving behind his comfortable overstuffed granny chair with doilies, tea and the lemon cookies he was used to.

Chase the big gay cowboy

I couldn't have done this without the help of my friend Chase Pierson. Due to a lack of funding from studios not willing to invest in the film, we were unable to afford second takes in this low budget project. Chase pieced together the rough footage, added sound and special effects. When making films like this "SOUND" is everything. Chase is also a songwriter and had a few possibilities for the soundtrack to choose from, I chose "Lollipop" with vocals by Amanda Jo Williams.

This scene didn't make it to the final cut.

Check out the horrifyingly talented group of artists and films.
The film fest begins Dec. 1st - 25th
A new short will be shown each day, starting with my film @ WWW.CREEPYCHRISTMAS.NET